The problem
Certain my 2006 and 2007 thomas built minotour, fs-65, c2, hdx, and ef school buses manufactured between january 6 and september 6, 2006, equipped with ricon wheelchair platform lift models s2003, s2005, s2010, s5503, s5505, s5510, k2003, k2005, k2010, k5503, k5505, k5510. The lifts interlock switch system may not detect the presence of a passenger (either wheelchair or standee) on the platform lift which fails to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 404, Platform lift systems for motor vehicles.
The risk
The defect involves the interlock switch system in the lift not detecting the presence of a passenger (either wheelchair or standee) on the ricon wheelchair platform lift. In the event this condition occurs during passenger operations it may be possible for the wheelchair to tip backwards onto the platform when the platform was lowered. This could result in injury to the wheelchair's occupant. Also, anyone standing on the platform could lose his or her balance and fall, resulting in injury.
The fix
Freightliner will notify owners and will repair the affected buses free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on august 6, 2007. Owners can contact freightliner's customer assistance center at 800-385-4357 or contact ricon at 800-322-2884.
Contacts
Freightliner recall no. Fl-492. Customers may contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.Safercar.Gov.
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized Thomas Built Buses dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 07V135000.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.